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Lesson 4

We will approach, read, and analyze the article “Henrietta Lacks, HeLa Cells, and Cell Culture Contamination” using a reciprocal teaching strategy.

Lesson Goals

  • Can I recognize points of connection between a scientific article and the anchor text to make logical, objective comparisons?

  • Can I establish and explain an accurate understanding of the central issues of a scientific article compared to the anchor text?

Texts

Optional

  • Unit Reader
    • “Henrietta Lacks, HeLa Cells, and Cell Culture Contamination,” Brendan P. Lucey, Walter A. Nelson-Rees, and Grover M. Hutchins, College of American Pathologists, 2009

Materials

Question Sets

Editable Google Docs

Activity 1: Read – Write – Share

We will begin our examination of the article “Henrietta Lacks, Hela Cells, And Cell Culture Contamination” by Brendan P. Lucey, Walter A. Nelson-Rees, and Grover M. Hutchins.

In your groups, answer the following guiding questions about “Henrietta Lacks, HeLa Cells, and Cell Culture Contamination” before you read the entire text:

  1. Read the abstract for the text. What is the purpose of the text?

  2. Research the authors. Who are they? What is their relationship with the subject of the article?

  3. When was the text published? Is it current or dated?

  4. What type of text is it? Where was it published? Who is the intended audience of this journal?

Share your answers with the class and modify any answers as needed.

Activity 2: Read – Discuss – Write

We will read the article “Henrietta Lacks, Hela Cells, And Cell Culture Contamination” using a reciprocal reading strategy.

In your group, take one of the following roles:

  • Summarizing: Summarize each section of the reading.

  • Clarifying: Research and explain difficult vocabulary.

  • Questioning: Ask questions about the text.

  • Connecting: Connect ideas from the text to other texts and central issues.

Once you have chosen your role, individually read and annotate the first section of "Henrietta Lacks, HeLa Cells, and Cell Culture Contamination." Then, work together to complete each role. For the first section, share one of your answers with the class. Add to or modify your answers as you deepen your understanding.

  • When you have completed the first section, return to the text, and complete this process for each of the remaining sections.